ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Business Plan Competition

The Big iDeas Business Plan Competition is SMU’s annual pitch event for undergraduate entrepreneurs ready to take their ideas to the next level. Students apply with a written business plan which is reviewed by the Big iDeas team. Once accepted, participants prepare a pitch deck and present a 4-minute pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $5,000 in seed funding. Whether you're building a product or creating a social impact venture, the competition offers valuable feedback, mentorship, and exposure to help grow your business.

Applications accepted: until September 17, 2026. Written Business Plan is required (download our business plan template).

Business Plan Contest: September 25, 2026

Winners: During the semester, attend the E-Launch workshops and meet with the Big iDeas Entrepreneurship Fellow. You have 6 months to spend your funds. 

Pitch Contest

The Big iDeas Pitch Competition is SMU's pitch competition for undergraduate students with early-stage ideas. No business plan is required—just a clear, creative concept and a passion to solve a problem. Students submit a short application and, if selected, deliver a 90-second live pitch to a panel of judges. Winners receive up to $1,000 in seed funding to kickstart their idea. It’s a great first step into entrepreneurship and an opportunity to turn an idea into action. 

Applications accepted: until November 4, 2026. 

Pitch Contest: November 12, 2026. 

Winners: During the semester, attend the E-Launch workshops and meet with the Big iDeas Entrepreneurship Fellow. You have 6 months to spend your funds.